If situations arise that interfere with a player’s ability to attend practices or tournaments, the entire team will feel the effects of an absent teammate. Unforeseen school-activity conflicts, family issues, and other personal issues will occasionally occur that affect a player’s attendance. If a situation exists that will affect your ability to consistently attend team activities, please contact your coach to try to work out a resolution that is acceptable to both sides. If necessary, the club directors will become involved to facilitate a remedy.
A player is not merely an individual; a player also represents both the team and the Club. A player should:
It is our philosophy that practices are the time to improve skills and work on new concepts. The fundamentals, which are emphasized initially through positional training and small group work, are used to develop proficient offensive and defensive tactics.
A continual source of frustration for players and parents alike is the issue of playing time. The reality is that equal playing time is not a guarantee. Our philosophy on playing time is stated below:
During tournament play, the coach has the right to determine the line-up that he or she determines is best suited to meet the goal of the particular level of participation. An “equal play philosophy” does not apply in many situations. It is each player’s responsibility to perform at a level that is consistent in keeping with the goals of the team. If the player does not, for whatever reason, fulfill their obligations on the court, it is the coach’s right to substitute them out so that the team may achieve its goals. Players are expected to perform certain roles on the bench as well, which greatly contribute to the success of the team.
Coaches will do his/her best to give each player playing time. THIS DOES NOT TRANSLATE TO EQUAL PLAYING TIME. The coach will base playing time on what the line-up/substitution scenario best offers the team a chance to be successful. The players (and parents) must understand that the playing time among the team members may be different. One player’s role may be to play three rotations, while another player’s role may be to play six rotations. A player that plays three rotations in every game will be considered a full-time participant.
All players earn their playing time in practice. It is the player’s task to work hard enough and learn enough to get on the court during tournament games. Some players will get specialized assignments while others must work to be the best alternate starter that she can be. Regardless of the role that evolves over the season, all players and parents are expected to remain positive and committed to the goal of having the TEAM do as well as possible by the end of the season.
Based on position, a player may play back row and rotate out or play front row and rotate out when reaching the back. It is important for players and parents to understand that the goal of the team is to compete successfully at tournaments and go to the highest level possible. If it is the player’s belief that she is not being treated fairly and playing an appropriate amount, she should discuss it with the coaching staff first and foremost. The coaching staff sees your daughter at each practice and may see something that parents do not. Parents and players should remember that playing time is earned. The players, by working hard in practice to improve skills and consistency, will determine how much playing time they will get.
In reaching our goal to educate players in life skills outside of volleyball, we feel it is important for players to create and maintain a good dialogue with their coaches regardless of age. The parent’s role is one of support to the players, coaches, and club. Parents should not engage in “coaching” from the sidelines, criticizing players, coaches or game officials or try to influence the makeup or operation of the team at any time.
Athletes who participate in school sports or other activities and who also wish to play club volleyball have an added challenge of balancing these activities. It requires a special person to be organized and committed to these activities, but it can be done. Coaches expect that the athlete is honest and open about any school sport/activity conflicts so the coaches can plan accordingly. A coach may be able to handle missing one or two athletes during a winter or spring sport season for some tournaments and practices but will need be informed of the conflicts at tryout time so she /he can make necessary adjustments.
Travel to and from tournaments and practice is the responsibility of players and their parents. Car-pooling to practices and tournaments is encouraged. Hotel expenses – for single-day events, if players/parents choose to travel the day before tournaments, or for multi-day events – are not included in the cost of club participation.
In the event of weather conditions that require cancellation of practice or a tournament, coaches will text or otherwise message (Remind app, etc.) players/parents as soon as they receive word of cancellation. In addition, emails will be sent out to everyone affected, so please be sure that we have your correct email address. Notices will also be posted on our website as quickly as possible when cancellations occur.